Chapter 58 : Noblesse Oblige (Part 1)
It was daylight when Iris was resting on her bed, wearing her pajamas and her left arm was covered with bandages from the injury she received from that night.
There are Silvi, Harson, Matilda, Rowan and William surrounding her and they were staring at Iris who seemed to be confused at how did she end up in this situation.
"Ummmm...did I do something wrong?" Iris asked nervously but as usual her skill helped on suppressing that feeling.
Every single word coming from her on that night...
'Pleasure to meet you~'
'I am~ the one and only daughter of the Welford family, [The Villainess] everyone fears...'
'...and [The Tyrant Queen] who trampled many lives.'
'My name is [Iris May Welford]~'
And the way she introduced herself was extremely different that the normal Iris they knew. The memory was so ingrained in their memory and when they looked at her, she looked so innocent, far from the Iris they saw at that place.
"....?" Iris tilted her head a bit.
They all looked at each other for a moment, then Matilda decided to approach her, "Dear...did you not remember anything from that night?" She asked, activating her magic circle on her hands behind her back a little bit without anyone noticing, except for Iris.
Iris immediately saw the notification popped out
[Notice!]
[You are now inside [Truth Shall be Answered and Lies Shall be Punished] magic zone]
"Ummm...I don't know what are you talking about." Iris shook her head.
"Then what is the last thing you remembered before you fell unconscious?"
"Ummmm...the only thing I remember is...that I passed out before I was about to be killed that by that [thing]." Iris looked down and trembled a bit, this was her first time she felt so scared since the first time she woke up in this world.
"..."
Matilda observed her for a moment before shiftingd her eyes a bit to make eye contact with Rowan and the others, and then she shook her head, as if telling them that Iris was telling the truth.
They looked uneasy at that, wondering what really happened to Iris.
"Then what else do you remember?" Matilda asked again but Iris shook her head.
"I-....I remembered I was in this dark…space and that's it…"
"Dark space??"
"Mhm." Iris nodded.
"Hmmmm..." Matilda knitted her brows, allowing the gears in her head to start working as she pondered about it.
'And somehow I was floating around, it wasn't cold or anything...but somewhat, it was warm.'
Iris looked at her left hand, she could feel lingering pain on it.
"Did I..."
That managed to catch the witch's attention, "Hmm??"
"Did I hurt someone? What did I do? Didn't you two saved us all?" Iris asked carefully, there's a hint of fear, uncertainty and guilt written all over her face.
Matilda sighed, she couldn't bear to see her precious student misunderstanding the situation and finally sat down right beside her.
"Iris...the truth is, we were too late to save you. But if you asked me how did you all get saved...I should be asking you instead."
Iris blinked, "Huh??"
"How did you managed to save us all...and defeated that [Chimera] all by yourself?"
Iris widened her eyes and was shocked beyond belief to hear. Disbelief and all of those confusing thoughts were spinning around inside her head, most of which didn't make sense to her.
'I did??'
She's been wondering how did she ended up getting hurt on her left hand when she clearly didn't remember anything about the fight with the chimera before she lost consciousness.
Iris looked at Matilda with tense expression as she brace herself to hear what she's going to tell her.
"Tell me...what happen."
Then Matilda began to open her mouth, recounting everything that happened to her. Starting from her new appearance, to her fighting that [Chimera] with ease, when she displayed those arrogant attitudes yet it held the power to match it.
Of course, the others explained to her as well.
From how she blocked that magic for Harson and William.
And how she has an amazing strength that overwhelmed the monster.
And lastly...
Her creating an unknown magic skill, which achieved by combining two elements into one. Incredible and elegant sword fight, along with [Enchant] magic skill that boosted her strength.
All of them lead to a question...
[Who is the one, who fought that monster?]
From the way she spoke, move and looks. It's still the same Iris they know but...
It's more different, she's like….more powerful yet her elegance remained.
Iris listened to their story intently and became quiet as she was lost in her thought.
'[Status].'
=======================================
[STATUS]
NAME: Iris May Welford/ Hanamachii Yomi
JOB : Magic Swordsman
TITLE : [The Other Worlder]; [The Villainess]; [Quick Learner]; [Magic Master]; [Sword Master]
[Level: 27 >>> 38]
[HP: 4020/4020 >>> 4570/4570]
[MP: 1200/1200 >>> 1410/1410]
[FATIGUE: 0]
EXP: 0/16500
STATUS POINT : 110
__
STRENGTH : 77(+15) >>> 88(+15)
AGILITY : 77 >>> 88
VITALITY : 77 >>> 88
INTELLIGENCE : 115(+15) >>> 126(+15)
SENSE : 59(+15) >>> 70(+15)
SKILL
Magic Mastery Lv5; Sword Mastery Lv5; Super Growth LvMax; Darkness Magic Lv5, Light Magic Lv4; Magic Eyes Lv4; The Villainess LvMax; Etiquette Lv6; Knitting Lv4; Cooking Lv4
Status Appraisal Lv5
Foresight Lv5
Restraint Lv5
Intimidate Lv5
Shadow Movement Lv5
Shadow Blade Lv6
Heal Lv6
Holy Light Lv4
Sword Dance Lv6
Vital Strike Lv6
Omni-Slash Lv6
Dark Pulse Lv4
Silent Field Lv1
Holy Wall Lv2
Take Over LvMax [Locked] !!NEW!!
Enchant : Strength !!NEW!!
Enchant : Shield !!NEW!!
Enchant : Speed !!NEW!!
Divine Art : 13th Pillars !!NEW!!
=======================================
'Woah...I increased a lot of levels...and new skills, did I...learn this all from that battle?'
'[Enchantment] magic.'
=======================================
[Enchant : Strength]
Active Skill
MP Cost: 100
Duration : 60 Sec
Cooldown : 120 Sec
A magic enchantment that allows the user to temporarily increase their own or someone else's STRENGTH by 70.
=======================================
=======================================
[Enchant : Speed]
Active Skill
MP Cost: 100
Duration : 60 Sec
Cooldown : 120 Sec
A magic enchantment that allows the user to temporarily increase their own or someone else's AGILITY by 50.
=======================================
=======================================
[Enchant : Shield]
Active Skill
MP Cost: 100
Duration : 60 Sec
Cooldown : 120 Sec
A magic enchantment that allows the user to temporarily increase their own or someone else VITALITY by 50.
=======================================
'...a magic that temporarily boosts my own or someone's status…it's a good magic since I'm lacking on Strength and Vitality...but what I'm concerned is these two skills.'
=======================================
[Divine Art : 13th Pillars]
Active Skill
MP Cost: 500
Cooldown: 60 sec.
A combination skill of magic and sword that forges two different elements into one that could lead to destruction and purification. The sword that was coated with light magic will inject a small amount of dark magical energy into the enemy's body. On every hit, the output will get stronger and it will create small pillars of light through each wounds. And eventually, at the 13th wound, the enemy will explode, creating large pillar of light.
=======================================
'[Divine Art : 13th Pillar]...this is a magic sword skill that Matilda and Silvi mentioned, I guess I defeated that thing with this skill...' She murmured, "…and lastly...this skill.'
=======================================
[Take Over]
Active Skill
Duration : 15 min.
Cooldown : ????
A skill that allows the soul from someone to come and possessed one's body. All skill from [Passive] and [Active] would be temporarily increased into Max level.
Penalty: Decrease -50% overall status for 1 hour
=======================================
'[Take Over]...a skill that allows me to get possessed by a soul that reside within my body...but the question is...who's soul is it? Iris? No...if it was her, her behavior from what Wiliam and Harson told me was very different since this is the past before Iris become a true [Villainess] and I prevent her mother's death!'
'But...the way she spoke and act...is just like Iris in the game...what is happening right now?! The skill also [Locked]!?"
Iris chewed her bottom lip and her thoughts was translated well into her face as they could see that she's freaking out, making them even more concerned
It must be shocking for her since she is the one who defeated that monster by herself and still couldn't remember a single thing about it.
After a while, Iris sighed deeply, 'Well let's think about that later...right now, I need to rest my body and enjoy this moment for a while.'
Silvi suddenly approached her and asked her with concerned look on her face, "Ojou-sama...are you okay?"
Iris snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her, "N-no! I mean...I'm fine, so don't worry okay?"
"A-are you sure?" Silvi asked as she looked like she's about to cry.
"Y-yes yess! I'm fine! You don't have to worry Silvi~" Iris reassured while patting her head gently.
The sight was somewhat funny, an adult woman like Silvi was treated like a kid by her little master.
But Silvi didn't mind and instead, when she's getting a pat in the head, she was enjoying the moment and giggling to herself, "Y-yes! I understand"
"Also...I should be thanking all of you for telling me of what happened, it was indeed hard to process for me, but I'm glad you all safe and sound now."
"O-ojou-sama!" Silvi began to cry once again, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that her master was showing right now.
Iris smiled as she continued, "I still can't be thankful enough for all of you for being a part of my plan to save my mother."
Then...
She bowed her head, "So...thank you very much for helping me."
All of them were suprised when she bowed her head like that.
Silvi who stood beside her was even more panicked, "N-no Ojou-sama! Y-you don't have to bow your head like that–"
"–And..." Iris suddenly cut her off and lifted her head, showing them a face of full of dignity, "...I hope you will still help and follow me in the future."
A face of a noble, laced with pride and honor.
They smiled at that while Silvi cannot stop herself from crying.
Then…all of them suddenly get to their knees, kneeling with one leg and bowed their heads towards her, including Rowan and Matilda.
Iris might have squeaked a bit and quickly gets flustered, "W-what are you doing!?" Her cheeks reddened, eyes wide in confusion as she gripped her sheets tightly.
"Of course we will help you...Ojou-sama, you risked your life for me and I owe you my life." Harson spoke first and Silvi followed after him
"I will always follow you...Ojou-sama isn't that what you told me from the beginning? To follow you until the end?" Silvi smiled with her puffy cheeks.
"Well I owe you a very big time for saving my life...so I will work for you as your shadow, Ojou-san~" William nodded.
"Hahaha!! Well you are my student! But I'm just a Swordsman, so I hope I can be useful for you in a fight" Rowan grinned playfully.
"Fufufu~ I just can't leave my disciple alone can't I? or else you might blew up another building with that powerful magic of yours~" Matilda teased.
Iris felt so embarrassed at their vows and display of loyalty and respect, and she's doing her best to comprehend the situation in front of her but as usual...
[Notice!]
[Skill "The Villainess" have been activated]
Her skill activated again, now she felt calmer and full of confidence as she smiled towards them.
"Then...I'll be looking forward to work with you all." Iris smiled warmly as they couldn't be more happy for her to accept them.
But one question remained.
"Ahh, yes...William. don't you wanna say something to me?" Iris asked while looking at him who's a bit behind the others.
William looked towards her as the others stared at him as well.
"Ahh, this is pretty embarrassing actually."
"It's fine, you can tell us." Iris nodded, gently urging him to speak.
"Ummm...then...here we go."
William bowed his head once again while still kneeling on his spot,
"I, William Hainsbourg as the Dark Guild Master...from now on will follow Iris May Welford as my new master."
Iris rasied her brows in surprise, "Huh??"
"Now the Dark Guild will be in your hands Iris May Welford. As our master...we will obey your orders...we will be your ears and eyes, to hear and see...every information in this world for you and we will dispose everything that stand in your way."
At such an extremely serious speech of this young man, it made everyone in the room rendered speechless.
But Iris, as calm as her skill forced her to be, began to open her mouth.
"Very well...I shall accept your offer William Hainsbourg, I will be your master...and you shall obey me no matter what."
She spoke as if she's already been their master in the first place...no that's not quite right...she's now already their master.
"Thank you...Master." William smiled behind his mask, overjoyed at her acceptance.
'This...truly isn't bad at all.' William thought.
But suddenly the moment was broken by a cough.
*COUGH*
"Ahem!" It was Matilda
"I think this is enough for declaring our Oath to Iris since we need to start talking about a new problem." Matilda reminded.
"Huh?? What is it?" Iris asked.
Worry plastered all across everybody's faces and somehow they got even more concerned about that.
Matilda met her gaze and slowly told her about it, "Iris...seems like….The King of this kingdom...wants to meet you."
'The King?'
******
On the next day...
In such a fine day where the sun was shining and there's nothing that could disturb the peace in the palace, every noble from various territories of The Kingdom was gathered in the Royal Castle, more specifically inside the throne room where a King who ruled this Kingdom already making his appearance.
He's a man dressed with flowing red robe and a crown on top of his head. He has blonde hair, brilliant blue eyes, a mustache and beard around his chin
This man is the 61st King of Luxion Kingdom.
[Bradley August Alfredssons]
The current king who's also...one of the Legends who accompanied the Hero in the past.
Now he is sitting on his throne along with his wife, the Queen [Meliora Alba Alfredssons]. A middle aged woman who shared similar beauty as Eliza the Welford Duchess.
Meliora has blonde hair as well and a pair of red eyes and was dressed luxuriously, befitting of The Queen.
Next to them stood The King's aide, who began to open his mouth.
"Today will be the day where we're going to hear about the incident few days ago in Allura's territory. I shall let you introduce yourself in front of your highness right now...
Baron Allura!"
When the aide called out the name, a middle aged man with an average straight body, came forwards towards the throne.
The man has pink hair and a matching mustache, with a haughty face that was commonly found from a rising noble with bloated ego.
"Baron Cooper Allura, shall pay respect to Your Highness The King." Cooper closed his eyes while kneeling with one leg before The King
"Thank you for coming all the way out here Baron Allura...now we shall hear your testimony about what happened in your territory." The aide spoke.
Cooper smirked a bit as he was still bowing.
'What a lucky day it is! I never thought today will be the day where I! The Baron shall rise and made those Welfords fall! Puhahaha!!' With that, he began to act.
"Yes...I shall tell you what's going on...on that night, when I was asleep...I heard an explosion at my territory."
"An explosion? What caused such a thing?" The aide asked curiously.
"Yes...according to the report of my soldiers...it seems we were attacked by...[The Welford's family]."
*CHATTERS* *CHATTERS*
When he spoke that name, the nobles that were present in the room was shocked beyond belief and couldn't help but spoke to themselves.
"Welford family?"
"No way."
"It must be a lie."
They all know about The Welfords reputation very well and this is the first time they heard about them attacking a low-rank Noble like him without reason.
The aide coughed "Ahem! Silence!" After that warning the nobles shut their mouth as quick as possible.
"Baron Allura...let me ask you...are you sure the one who attacked your territory was from The Welfords?"
"Y-yeah! I'm sure! I saw a big explosion! Two person who destroyed one of my four asset! Not only that! One of the Legend [The Sword Saint, Rowan] also participated with it!!"
As soon as he said that, a massive pressure came from the King himself.
Cooper felt as if he was being choked. "A-ackk!!–"
A strong pressure of an aura of the Royalty who fought in the past alongside the Legends, The King–Bradley was overwhelmed with anger from such severe accusations.
"Baron Allura...are you sure, the one who attacked you were them?"
"Y-yes your highness! I won't dare lying about it to you!"
The King narrowed his eyes, "Then show me the proof."
Cooper grin widely as if he had won, "Y-yes! I have it on me!"
The Baron took out a small sphere from his pocket and put it down to the floor.
"Huh? This is..." The aide looked at the sphere.
"Yes! It is a Recorder Magic Item! It's an item that can record everything it saw! And I had definite proof of the attack!"
Cooper explained with a calm smile, but he was celebrating inside.
'HAHAHAHA!! I don't know who send this to me...but lady of luck must have been smiling at me!!'
Then the sphere began to show a hologram screen in front of the Throne.
An image where Rowan and Matilda attacked his asset in his territory...
Rowan used his sword to destroy the wall and commanded his army to march in while Matilda used her magic, along with Silvi, to destroy another building...
It was proof enough that they did attack his territory.
The nobles was shocked, while the King and the Queen who watched it remained calm.
"Hmmmm...they really did attacked you...but what is the reason for them to act like that, Hm? I know these two since I fought alongside them before...but I want to know if that really happened without a reason...tell me Baron Allura."
Bradley spoke as if he didn't care about this proof at all even though it was indeed showing him that The Welfords really did attacked them.
The King himself knew about these two individuals personally and he needed to know the reason why they would do such things before giving his judgement.
But that only made a new opportunity for the Baron to spoke his mind.
"Yes...I know the reason why."
"And that is?" The aide asked.
"It's because they were jealous of me...a Baron who rose up to nobility with his own power. I heard from my daughter and wife that they were harassed in a tea party last time...they're extremely saddened with how they treat us fellow nobles, Your Highness." Cooper confessed while wiping away his fake tears.
The aide looked at Bradley to ask for his decision on this matter.
Bradley looked at this man who knelt before him and cried. He couldn't help but heaved a deep sigh, "I shall take that answer for consideration and think about this matter for a moment."
With his comment, Cooper celebrated once again inside his mind.
"And thank you for telling us what happened Baron Allura." The aide spoke while bowing his head.
"No! You're welcome huhuhu...I'm just stating the truth for our Kingdom's future!" Cooper waved both of his hands humbly as he let out even more fake tears, continuing with his act.
The aide looked a bit disgusted at him and wanted to end this meeting quickly, "Well then...you are now dismissed Baron–"
"Hold on just a moment!!"
A booming voice of a man interrupted, it's coming right behind that big door in front of the throne.
*CREAAKKK*
The door was opened by the guards and four people walked inside, catching the attention of everyone in the room.
It was the Welfords.
The head of the Welford Family, Duke Henry Von Welford.
And one of the Legends...
The Sword Saint, Rowan, and The Witch, Matilda.
And last but not least....
The Precious Daughter of the Welford Family.
Iris May Welford came into this meeting as well.
She's wearing a formal outfit, a blue dress and a cape around her back with an aura that didn't match with her age. An aura of a True Noble that is full with dignity and pride, causing all of the people who were present inside the throne room speechless from her appearance.
Even Baron Allura, who turned his head to look at them was filled with anxiety and fear.
'Who the hell...is this brat?!'
Then the curtain was up, signalling the beginning of a new show where the puppet of the Villainess....started to dance on her palm.
To be continue...